Tit for Tat: Traders block Bengal-bound Trucks

In a tit for tat response to West Bengal government’s decision to stop supply of potatoes to Odisha, which triggered a massive crisis in the state, the traders in Odisha aided by some political parties such as the Congress, BJP and Left, have blocked the export of onions, fish and eggs near Jaleswar.

The trucks carrying the above materials, were blocked from crossing over too Danton in West Midnapore yesterday. The roadblock was lifted after a discussion with the traders, who demanded that West Bengal government must lift the ban on potato export to allow smooth import of onions, fishes and eggs from Odisha.

Odisha needs 500 truckloads of potatoes every day. After the West Bengal stopped the supply, the potato prices in Odisha have gone up to Rs 60-80 per kg. And, in most places, potato has vanished from the market. There is a huge pressure on the West Bengal government after the latest action of Odisha traders, as prices of onions and fishes have gone up significantly in the last couple of days.